Children Health Concerns: When Children Get Constipated

There are so many things that can make a parent worry. When it comes to your child's health it's important to know what's normal and what is not.

Bowel movements vary with each individual child. Some kids will go like clockwork, the same time each day, every day. Other children may have a bowel movement twice a day, or every two days. Each child is unique both in personality, and in the schedule of their bowel movements.

When bowel movements become difficult it is a sure sign of constipation. A child who usually goes every day may not go for a couple of days and then pass a larger stool. This is constipation. On the other hand, your child may still be going as often as usual but simply have the larger, hard stool. This also is constipation.

To be constipated is to have a stool that is very hard. Stools are often much larger when a child is constipated. They become hard to pass and may cause your child discomfort. Constipated kids may not know they are constipated, and most likely will not. Parents can watch for the signs of constipation to know if their children are having this problem.

The signs of constipation are subtle. You have to be aware of them and watching for them. With a mild case of constipation your child may simply take a longer amount of time in the bathroom. They may come out red faced or looking like something is bothering them. Ask what is wrong. Ask if they had trouble going if you suspect something may be wrong. A child who goes like clockwork and then misses a couple of days may also be constipated. If you notice that your child has not gone according to their normal schedule it's a sure sign that they may have a problem. Another sign of child constipation is when your child begins to hold off on going. Sometimes a constipated kid will avoid going because the larger stools are so uncomfortable to pass. They'll hold it. You may notice soiled underwear.

If your child has a history of having normal bowel movements and now is having some trouble with constipation it is likely that they are not getting enough fruit and fluids in their diet. Increasing their intake of both should help the problem. Apples are great a combating constipation, as is apple juice. Prunes or prune juice work wonders as well. Really though, an extra few glasses of water per day should help a lot.

If your child is chronically constipated a trip to the doctor is needed. Chronically means often. If your child is constipated all or most of the time there may be a medical reason why. Prompt care may be required to avoid damage to your child's intestinal tract.

Upset stomach and vomiting can occur in bad cases of constipation, as can intestinal blockage. This is not good. Seek professional care if you suspect your child may have a blockage, or if constipation lasts for more than a few days without a stool being passed. Thanks for reading and take care!